Portable liquid analyzer

ABSTRACT

A system is provided for identifying the presence of a target molecule or ion. The system comprises a solid support, and at least one chemical reagent applied to the solid support. Each chemical reagent produces a presumptive color indication that identifies or excludes the presence of a target molecule or ion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system capable of identifying thepresence of target molecule(s) and ion(s), a method for preparing asystem capable of identifying the presence of target molecule(s) andion(s), and a method for performing a test for the presence of targetmolecule(s) and ion(s).

BACKGROUND ART

Liquid borne energetic devices are a significant threat to the globalmass transit industry. All transit sectors including Air, Land, Sea andborder control check points remain at constant high threat alert levels.Mass transit and mass screening requires cost effective, rapid andreliable technology designed for presumptive identification ofconcealable threat liquid materials.

A variety of threat energetic liquid testing devices are commerciallyavailable. By way of example to illustrate the following section somecommercially available kits include, but are not limited to: HachHydrogen Peroxide Test Kit, Model HYP-1, EM Quant® Peroxide Test,Catalog No. 10011, Gillardoni FEP ME 640 AMX X-ray, ChemSee Portableexplosive test kit, Field forensics ELITE TM System, FIDO X3 Explosivedetector, TraceX Explosive Kit. Broadly these devices can be dividedinto two groups: (i) electronic and (ii) non-electronic. Electronicdevices are high cost and although some offer portability, most arelaboratory bench mounted systems. (ii) Non-electronic devices are lowercost single use devices, adapted for ease in portability, offeringpresumptive identification of known energetic liquids.

Non-electronic devices can further be divided into two broad groups: (a)competitive immuno-assay based devices and (b) “spot test” devices whichare composed of chemical reagents that react with chemical an analytecompound to give a known presumptive color indication.

Prior art commercially available spot test devices all suffer from acombination of issues which may include, but are not limited to: (i)devices are only designed to presumptively identify a single threatenergetic liquid. In order to identify several threat energetic liquids,many different test devices would be required, perhaps from severaldifferent manufacturers; (ii) to facilitate a presumptive chemicalreaction, commercially available devices may comprise hazardous acidicor alkaline liquid reagents; (iii) to facilitate a presumptive chemicalreaction, commercially available devices may comprise volatile liquidorganic solvents; (iv) the packaging required for most devices comprisesa combination of glass ampoules which must be broken, reinforced heavyduty plastic baggies for storage of used hazardous chemical reagent(s),pressurized spray cans containing aerosolized hazardous chemicalreagents, screw top reaction vessels, and batteries to power reactiondevices or electronic eye color development systems; (v) virtually allcommercially available devices require multi-step reaction sequences inorder for a single unknown analyte to be tested. In summary, allcommercially available devices are costly, require excessive equipmentand packaging, comprise hazardous liquids exposure operators tounnecessary OHS risks, do not meet air shipping requirements, andrequire excessive analytical time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system for identifying the presence ofa target molecule or ion. The system comprises a solid support, and atleast one chemical reagent applied to the solid support. Each chemicalreagent produces a presumptive color indication that identifies orexcludes the presence of a target molecule or ion.

The present invention also provides a method for producing a test kit toidentify the presence of a target molecule or ion. The method comprisesproviding a solid support, and applying a first chemical reagent to thesolid support, the first chemical reagent producing a presumptive colorindication that identifies or excludes the presence of a first targetmolecule or ion.

The present invention further provides a method for identifying thepresence of a target molecule or ion. The method comprises transferringa molecule or ion from a surface to a first chemical reagent applied toa solid support, and allowing the chemical reagent to react with thetransferred molecule or ion, whereby a presumptive color indication isproduced that identifies or excludes the presence of the transferredmolecule or ion as a first target molecule or ion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The FIGURE is a top view of an embodiment of a device of the presentinvention that is capable of identifying the presence of targetmolecule(s) and ion(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the inventionmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Inthe following description, numerous specific details are provided toprovide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. Oneskilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the inventioncan be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or withother methods, components and so forth. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not shown or described indetail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Referring to the FIGURE, embodiments of a system 100 of the presentinvention are capable of identifying the presence of target molecule(s)and ion(s). The system 100 may be provided in the form of a solidsupport 102 coated with one or more dry chemical reagents 104, uponwhich the analysis of target molecule(s) and ion(s) is performed andupon which a presumptive color indication can develop. The solid support102 may be provided in the form of glass, metal, paper, textiles,organic and inorganic membranes. The individual dry coated chemicalreagent(s) 104 may be spaced apart from one another by a physical gap106 on the solid support 102 to prevent contamination and maintainselectivity and reactivity for target molecule(s) and ion(s).

The system 100 of the present invention may comprise a means forintroducing target molecule(s) and ion(s) to at least one chemicalreagent 104 that can provide a presumptive color indication in thepresence of target molecule(s) and ion(s). The means for introducing thetarget molecule(s) and ion(s) to at least one chemical reagent isprovided in the form of a swab 108. The swab 108 may be composed of anymaterial that will assist in the transfer of the target molecule(s) andion(s) to the chemical reagent(s) 102. Preferably the swab 108 is dryand comprises an unreactive, adsorbent material such as cotton. Thesystem 100 of the present invention may be stored in a moisture and UVresistant package prior to use, such as PET12um/AL7um/PE50.

The presumptive color indication that is developed after each targetmolecule is applied to a chemical reagent 102 may be observed in anypart of the electromagnetic spectrum, preferably in the visiblespectrum.

The system 100 of the present invention may be used for identifying allclasses of energetic liquid(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) and energeticliquid precursor(s) molecule(s) and ion(s). The energetic liquid(s) andion(s) and energetic liquid precursor(s) may comprise chemico-physicalproperties or be selected from a group including, but not limited to,dissolved hydrogen ion activity, organic solvents, liquids comprisingreactive nitrogen, oxygen, halogen(s) or free radical(s).

Where the target molecule(s) and ion(s) is dissolved hydrogen ionactivity the chemical reagent(s) 104 may preferably be selected from thegroup comprising cresol red, methyl violet, crystal violet, ethylviolet, malachite green, methyl green,2-(p-dimethylaminophenylazo)pyridine, paramethyl red, metanil yellow,4-phenylazodiphenylamine, thymol blue, metacresol purple, orange IV,4-o-tolylazo-o-toluidine, quinaldine red,4,4′-bis(4-amino-1-naphthylazo)-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid,p-naphtholbenzein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, ethylbis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)ethanoate, Thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow R,alizarin, p-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylazo) benzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt,5,5′-indigodisulfonic acid, disodium salt, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene,1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, clayton yellow. The reagent 104 preferablycomprises about 0.1-0.2% w/w of the system 100.

Where the target molecule(s) and ion(s) is an organic solvent(s) thechemical reagent(s) 104 may preferably be selected from the groupcomprising merocyanine dyes,4-[2-N-substituted-1,4-hydropyridin-4-ylidine)ethylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-di-en-1-one,red pyrazolone dyes, azomethine dyes, indoaniline dyes, diazamerocyaninedyes, indigoid dyes2,6-diphenyl-4-(2,4,6-triphenylpyridinium-1-yl)phenolate,1-ethyl-4-(methoxycarbonyl)pyridiniumiodide,5-(dimethylamino)-5′-nitro-2,2′-bisthiophene, reichart's dye,(2,4,6-triphenyl-1-pyridinio)-2,6-diphenylphenolate,9-diethylamino-5-benzo[α]phenoxazinone. The reagent preferably 104comprises about 0.1-0.2% w/w of the system 100.

Where the target molecule(s) and ion(s) is reactive nitrogen thechemical reagent(s) 104 may preferably be selected from the groupcomprising 6-amino-1-naphthol-3-sulphonic acid, zinc, diphenylbenzidine,phenylanthranilic acid, aniline sulfate, diphenylamine, ethylenediamine,N-1 naphthyl dihydrochloride, potassium iodide, bismuth nitrate,sulfamic acid, sodium hydrogen sulphate, sulfanilamide,hexachloroplatinic(IV) acid hydrate. The reagent 104 preferablycomprises about 0.1-0.2% w/w of the system 100.

Where the target molecule(s) and ion(s) is reactive oxygen, halogen(s)or free radical(s)s the chemical reagent(s) 104 may preferably beselected from the group comprising ammonium thiocyanate, 2,2′-bipyridine(Ru complex), nitrophenanthroline (Fe complex), manganous sulphate,phenylanthranilic acid, 1,10-phenanthroline iron(II) sulfate complex,indigo carmine, copper sulphate, N-ethoxychrysoidine, analine,2,2′-Bipyridine (Fe complex), methylene blue, 5,6-dimethylphenanthroline(Fe complex), o-dianisidine, ferrous sulphate,p-amino-N,N-diethylaniline sulfate, Sodium diphenylamine sulfonate,diphenylbenzidine, diphenylamine, viologen. The reagent 104 preferablycomprises about 0.1-0.2% w/w of the system 100.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided amethod for preparing a system 100 capable of identifying all classes ofenergetic liquid(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquidprecursor(s) molecule(s) and ion(s). The system 100 comprises at leastone chemical reagent 104 which can provide a presumptive colorindication in the presence of target molecule(s) and ion(s), wherein asingle chemical reagent 104 or a mixture of chemical reagents 104,purchased in micronized powder form or milled to correct mesh size, areprovided in micronized powder form to a dispersant media, mixed by rapidagitation forming a temporary liquid dispersion.

Preferably the method comprises the further step of introducing thetemporary homogenized liquid dispersion of a micronized powder ofchemical reagent 104 or a mixture of chemical reagents 104 anddispersant to a solid support article 102, applying a known quantity ofdispersion to the solid support article 102 by a suitable method chosenfrom the group including, but not limited to, letterpress, rotarygravure, screen printing, tampography, wax printing, contact dosing,ultrasonic sputter and drop on demand printing.

Preferably the method comprises the further step of removing thedispersion coated solid support article 102 for drying, which may bedone by hot air evaporation.

In one form of the invention, the system 100 may comprise only one driedchemical reagent dispersion 104 or dried chemical reagent mix dispersion104 applied to the solid support surface 102 and dried, which provides asingle identification for one class of target energetic liquid(s)molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquid precursor(s) molecule(s) andion(s) in a single test.

Preferably the system 100 will comprise several individual driedchemical reagent(s) dispersion 104 or dried chemical reagent mixdispersion(s) 104 applied to the solid support surface 102, whichprovides identification for all classes of target energetic liquid(s)molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquid precursor(s) molecule(s) andion(s) in a single test.

Preferably multiple applications of chemical reagent dispersion(s) 104or chemical reagent mix dispersion(s) 104 will be physically separatedfrom one another by a void or gap 106 between the boundary edge of oneapplied dried chemical reagent(s) dispersion 104 or dried chemicalreagent mix dispersion(s) 104 and another on the solid support surface102. Preferably the physical void or separation 106 is a minimum ofabout 1 mm.

In accordance with the current invention, the method may comprise thefurther step of guillotine or stamp cutting or shaping the solid supportsurface 102 into a final design. The solid support 102 composition anddimensions and shape of the final device design are limited only by enduser requirements.

In accordance with the current invention, a method for packagingcomprises hermetically sealing the device inside a moisture and UVprotective packet composed of, for example, PET12um/AL7um/PE50.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method forusing a system 100 capable of identifying all classes of targetenergetic liquid(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquidprecursor(s) molecule(s) and ion(s). The method comprises the transferof target molecule(s) and ion(s) from a surface or container to thesurface of the system 100, rubbing the target molecule(s) and ion(s)into applied dried chemical reagent(s) dispersion 104 or dried chemicalreagent mix dispersion(s) 104, thereby mixing the energetic liquid(s)molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquid precursor(s) molecule(s) andion(s) with the applied dried chemical reagent(s) dispersion 104 ordried chemical reagent mix dispersion(s) 104. The target energeticliquid(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquid precursor(s)molecule(s) and ion(s) may be identified by the development ofpresumptive color(s) on the device solid support surface 104.

Preferably, the step of rubbing the transferred target energeticliquid(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquid precursor(s)molecule(s) and ion(s) into multiple applied dried chemical reagent(s)dispersion 104 or dried chemical reagent mix dispersion(s) 104 would bedone successively to one applied dried chemical reagent(s) dispersion104 or dried chemical reagent mix dispersion(s) 104 after another. Sucha process facilitates the identification of all classes of targetenergetic liquid(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquidprecursor(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) in a single test.

Preferably, the step of transferring the target energetic liquid(s)molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquid precursor(s) molecule(s) andion(s) from a surface or container to the surface of the system 100comprises rubbing or dipping a swab tip 108 onto a surface or into acontainer containing a liquid, thereby absorbing a suitable volume orportion of the liquid from the surface or container into the swab tipmatrix, and then rubbing the swab tip onto the surface of the system100, thereby completing the transfer of the target energetic liquid(s)molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquid precursor(s) molecule(s) andion(s) onto the system 100.

Advantageously, the method and system 100 of the present inventionreduces the cost of manufacturing a device capable of identifying allclasses of energetic liquid(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) and energeticliquid precursor(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) in a single test, minimizeswastage during manufacture and post usage of such devices, greatlyreduces the time necessary to perform a test, thereby reduces the use ofand exposure to hazardous reagents to end users and the environment.Further the system 100 of the present invention is robust, easilytransportable, and simple to use by untrained personnel.

The chemical reagent(s) 104 may be purchased in micronized powders andadded to the dispersant. Rapid agitation is applied to produce anhomogenized flowable liquid dispersion.

The system 100 of the present invention may comprise as many chemicalreagent(s) or chemical reagent 104 mixes applied to the solid support102 as is necessary to identify all target energetic liquid(s)molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquid precursor(s) molecule(s) andion(s). As the range of target liquids expands with time, the chemicalreagent(s) 104 or chemical reagent mixes 104 applied to the solidsupport 102 will also expand and will continue to include a drynon-reactive absorbent swab 108 for sample collection and transfer. Thesystem 100 may be packaged in a PET12um/AL7um/PE50 moisture and UVresistant material.

Examples of the preparation of reagents for the system 100 for thedetection of various target molecules include the following. It will beappreciated that other methods of preparation may be employed and thatother molecules may be targeted.

Hydrogen Ion Activity—Device Preparation

1-2% w/w malachite green, 5-10% w/w polyvinylpyrrolidone, 2-5% w/wisopropyl alcohol, 83-92% water are added together, homogenized for 20minutes into a dispersion and applied by drop on demand printing ontothe paper surface and hot blown air dried. The paper is guillotined intoa suitable device shape and hermetically sealed into aPET12um/AL7um/PE50 sachet. The system 100 is supplied with ahermetically sealed dry cotton tipped swab 108.

Organic Solvent—Device Preparation

1-2% w/w Reichardt's dye, 5-10% w/w methylcellulose, 2-5% w/w isopropylalcohol, 83-92% water are added together, homogenized for 20 minutesinto a dispersion and applied by drop on demand printing onto the papersurface and hot blown air dried. The paper is guillotined into suitabledevice shape and hermetically sealed into PET12um/AL7um/PE50 sachet. Thesystem 100 is supplied with a hermetically sealed dry cotton tipped swab108.

Reactive Nitrogen—Device Preparation

1-2% w/w bismuth nitrate, 5-10% w/w sodium hydrogen sulphate, 5-10% w/wpotassium iodide, 68-89% water are added together, homogenized for 20minutes into a dispersion and applied by rotary gravure printing ontothe paper surface and hot blown air dried. The paper is guillotined intoa suitable device shape and hermetically sealed into aPET12um/AL7um/PE50 sachet. The system 100 is supplied with ahermetically sealed dry cotton tipped swab 108.

Reactive Oxygen, Halogen or Free Radical—Device Preparation

1-5% w/w ferrous sulphate, 1-3% w/w sodium hydroxide, 10-15% w/wisopropyl alcohol, 60-70% w/w water, 5-10% w/w polyvinylpyrrolidone areadded together, homogenized for 20 minutes into a dispersion and appliedby silk screen printing onto the paper surface and hot blown air dried.The paper is guillotined into a suitable device shape and hermeticallysealed into PET12um/AL7um/PE50 sachet. The system 100 is supplied with ahermetically sealed dry cotton tipped swab 108.

Embodiments of the present invention are adapted to detect the presenceof energetic liquid(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) and energetic liquidprecursor(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) and does not require multiple stepsto carry out a single test.

The system of the present invention is capable of identifying allclasses of energetic liquid(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) and energeticliquid precursor(s) molecule(s) and ion(s). The system comprises atleast one chemical reagent which can provide a presumptive colorindication in the presence of target molecule(s) and ion(s).

The system of the present invention is adapted to identifying thepresence of all classes of target energetic liquid(s) molecule(s) andion(s) and energetic liquid precursor(s) molecule(s) and ion(s) in asingle test. The system does not include glass packaging which ismanually broken, hazardous liquid or aerosolized chemical reagents, orelectronic components.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention, the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A system for identifying the presence of a target molecule or ion,comprising: a solid support; and a first chemical reagent applied to thesolid support, the first chemical reagent producing a presumptive colorindication that identifies or excludes the presence of the first targetmolecule or ion.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of second chemical reagents applied to the solid support, eachspaced apart from and different from the first chemical reagent and fromeach other second chemical reagent, each second chemical reagentproducing a presumptive color indication that identifies or excludes thepresence of one of a plurality of second target molecules or ionsdifferent from the first target molecule or ion and from each othertarget molecule or ion.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the solidsupport comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofglass, metal, paper, textiles, organic, and inorganic membranes.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a sample collector for collectionof an unknown molecule or ion and introducing the unknown molecule orion to the first chemical reagent.
 5. The system of claim 5, wherein thesample collector comprises a swab formed from an unreactive, adsorbentfiber.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a moisture and UVresistant package in which the solid support and first chemical reagentis sealed.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first chemical reagentcomprises a micronized powder, the system further comprising adispersant mixed with the micronized reagent powder to reduce theviscosity of the reagent powder to a temporary flowable liquid.
 8. Thedevice of claim 7, wherein the dispersant is selected from the groupconsisting of acrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, amino crosslinkers,polyvinyl pyrollidinone, glycol-ethers, styrene, polyester, vinylchloride, polyethylene, natural gums, polyether and polyamide units. 9.The system of claim 1, wherein the target molecule or ion is a dissolvedhydrogen ion and the chemical reagent is selected from a groupconsisting of cresol red, methyl violet, crystal violet, ethyl violet,malachite green, methyl green, 2-(p-dimethylaminophenylazo)pyridine,paramethyl red, metanil yellow, 4-phenylazodiphenylamine, thymol blue,metacresol purple, orange IV, 4-o-tolylazo-o-toluidine, quinaldine red,4,4′-bis(4-amino-1-naphthylazo)-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid,p-naphtholbenzein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, ethylbis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)ethanoate, Thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow R,alizarin, p-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylazo) benzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt,5,5′-indigodisulfonic acid, disodium salt, and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene,1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, clayton yellow.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein the target molecule or ion is an organic solid and the chemicalreagent is selected from a group consisting of merocyanine dyes,4-[2-N-substituted-1,4-hydropyridin-4-ylidine)ethylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-di-en-1-one,red pyrazolone dyes, azomethine dyes, indoaniline dyes, diazamerocyaninedyes, indigoid dyes2,6-diphenyl-4-(2,4,6-triphenylpyridinium-1-yl)phenolate,1-ethyl-4-(methoxycarbonyl)pyridinium iodide,5-(dimethylamino)-5′-nitro-2,2′-bisthiophene, reichart's dye,(2,4,6-triphenyl-1-pyridinio)-2,6-diphenylphenolate, and9-diethylamino-5-benzo[α]phenoxazinone.
 11. The system of claim 1,wherein the target molecule or ion is reactive nitrogen and the chemicalreagent is selected from a group consisting of6-amino-1-naphthol-3-sulphonic acid, zinc, diphenylbenzidine,phenylanthranilic acid, aniline sulfate, diphenylamine, ethylenediamine,N-1 naphthyl dihydrochloride, potassium iodide, bismuth nitrate,sulfamic acid, sodium hydrogen sulphate, sulfanilamide, andhexachloroplatinic(IV) acid hydrate.
 12. The system of claim 1, whereinthe target molecule or ion is a reactive halogen or free radical and thechemical reagent is selected from a group consisting of ammoniumthiocyanate, 2,2′-bipyridine (Ru complex), nitrophenanthroline (Fecomplex), manganous sulphate, phenylanthranilic acid,1,10-Phenanthroline iron(II) sulfate complex, indigo carmine, coppersulphate, N-ethoxychrysoidine, analine, 2,2′-Bipyridine (Fe complex),methylene blue, 5,6-dimethylphenanthroline (Fe complex), o-dianisidine,ferrous sulphate, p-amino-N,N-diethylaniline sulfate, sodiumdiphenylamine sulfonate, diphenylbenzidine, diphenylamine, and viologen.13. A method for producing a test kit to identify the presence of atarget molecule or ion, comprising: providing a solid support; andapplying a first chemical reagent to the solid support, the firstchemical reagent producing a presumptive color indication thatidentifies or excludes the presence of a first target molecule or ion.14. The method of claim 13, further comprising applying a plurality ofsecond chemical reagents to the solid support, each spaced apart fromand different from the first chemical reagent and from each other secondchemical reagent, each second chemical reagent producing a presumptivecolor indication that identifies or excludes the presence of one of aplurality of a second target molecules or ions different from the firsttarget molecule or ion and from each other target molecule or ion. 15.The method of claim 13, further comprising manufacturing the solidsupport from a material selected from the group consisting of glass,metal, paper, textiles, organic, and inorganic membranes.
 16. The methodof claim 13, further comprising providing a sample collector forcollection of an unknown molecule or ion and introducing the unknownmolecule or ion to the first chemical reagent.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein providing the sample collector comprises providing a swabformed from an unreactive, adsorbent fiber.
 18. The method of claim 13,further comprising sealing the solid support and first chemical reagentin a moisture and UV resistant package.
 19. The method of claim 13,wherein the first chemical reagent comprises a micronized powder, themethod further comprising: mixing a dispersant with the micronizedreagent powder to reduce the viscosity of the reagent powder to atemporary flowable liquid; and applying the temporary flowable liquid tothe solid support.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the dispersant isselected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol,amino crosslinkers, polyvinyl pyrollidinone, glycol-ethers, styrene,polyester, vinyl chloride, polyethylene, natural gums, polyether andpolyamide units.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein applying thetemporary flowable liquid to the solid support comprises a processselected from the group consisting of letterpress, rotary gravure,screen printing, tampography, wax printing, contact dosing, ultrasonicsputter, and drop on demand printing.
 22. The method of claim 19,further comprising drying the solid support after applying the temporaryflowable liquid.
 23. The method of claim 13, wherein the target moleculeor ion is a dissolved hydrogen ion and the chemical reagent is selectedfrom a group consisting of cresol red, methyl violet, crystal violet,ethyl violet, malachite green, methyl green,2-(p-dimethylaminophenylazo)pyridine, paramethyl red, metanil yellow,4-phenylazodiphenylamine, thymol blue, metacresol purple, orange IV,4-o-tolylazo-o-toluidine, quinaldine red,4,4′-bis(4-amino-1-naphthylazo)-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid,p-naphtholbenzein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, ethylbis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)ethanoate, Thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow R,alizarin, p-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylazo) benzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt,5,5′-indigodisulfonic acid, disodium salt, and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene,1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, clayton yellow.
 24. The method of claim 13,wherein the target molecule or ion is an organic solid and the chemicalreagent is selected from a group consisting of merocyanine dyes,4-[2-N-substituted-1,4-hydropyridin-4-ylidine)ethylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-di-en-1-one,red pyrazolone dyes, azomethine dyes, indoaniline dyes, diazamerocyaninedyes, indigoid dyes2,6-diphenyl-4-(2,4,6-triphenylpyridinium-1-yl)phenolate,1-ethyl-4-(methoxycarbonyl)pyridinium iodide, 5-(dimethylamino)-5′-nitro-2,2′-bisthiophene, reichart's dye,(2,4,6-triphenyl-1-pyridinio)-2,6-diphenylphenolate, and9-diethylamino-5-benzo[α]phenoxazinone.
 25. The method of claim 13,wherein the target molecule or ion is reactive nitrogen and the chemicalreagent is selected from a group consisting of6-amino-1-naphthol-3-sulphonic acid, zinc, diphenylbenzidine,phenylanthranilic acid, aniline sulfate, diphenylamine, ethylenediamine,N-1 naphthyl dihydrochloride, potassium iodide, bismuth nitrate,sulfamic acid, sodium hydrogen sulphate, sulfanilamide, andhexachloroplatinic(IV) acid hydrate.
 26. The method of claim 13, whereinthe target molecule or ion is a reactive halogen or free radical and thechemical reagent is selected from a group consisting of ammoniumthiocyanate, 2,2′-bipyridine (Ru complex), nitrophenanthroline (Fecomplex), manganous sulphate, phenylanthranilic acid,1,10-Phenanthroline iron(II) sulfate complex, indigo carmine, coppersulphate, N-ethoxychrysoidine, analine, 2,2′-Bipyridine (Fe complex),methylene blue, 5,6-dimethylphenanthroline (Fe complex), o-dianisidine,ferrous sulphate, p-amino-N,N-diethylaniline sulfate, sodiumdiphenylamine sulfonate, diphenylbenzidine, diphenylamine, and viologen.27. A method for identifying the presence of a target molecule or ion,comprising: transferring a molecule or ion from a surface to a firstchemical reagent applied to a solid support; and allowing the chemicalreagent to react with the transferred molecule or ion, whereby apresumptive color indication is produced that identifies or excludes thepresence of the transferred molecule or ion as a first target moleculeor ion.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein transferring the molecule orion from the surface to the solid support comprises: rubbing the surfacewith a swab, whereby the molecule or ion is transferred from the surfaceto the swab; and rubbing the swab onto the solid support, whereby themolecule or ion is transferred onto the solid support.
 29. The method ofclaim 27, further comprising: transferring the molecule or ion from thesurface to a plurality of second chemical reagents applied to the solidsupport; and allowing the second chemical reagents to react with thetransferred molecule or ion, whereby a presumptive color indication isproduced that identifies or excludes the presence of the transferredmolecule or ion as a one or more target molecules or ions.
 30. Themethod of claim 27, wherein the first chemical reagent comprises amicronized powder mixed with a dispersant to reduce the viscosity of thereagent powder to a temporary flowable liquid applied to the solidsupport.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the dispersant is selectedfrom the group consisting of acrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, aminocrosslinkers, polyvinyl pyrollidinone, glycol-ethers, styrene,polyester, vinyl chloride, polyethylene, natural gums, polyether andpolyamide units.
 32. The method of claim 27, wherein the target moleculeor ion is a dissolved hydrogen ion and the chemical reagent is selectedfrom a group consisting of cresol red, methyl violet, crystal violet,ethyl violet, malachite green, methyl green,2-(p-dimethylaminophenylazo)pyridine, paramethyl red, metanil yellow,4-phenylazodiphenylamine, thymol blue, metacresol purple, orange IV,4-o-tolylazo-o-toluidine, quinaldine red,4,4′-bis(4-amino-1-naphthylazo)-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid,p-naphtholbenzein, phenolphthalein, o-cresolphthalein, ethylbis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)ethanoate, Thymolphthalein, alizarin yellow R,alizarin, p-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylazo) benzenesulfonic acid, sodium salt,5,5′-indigodisulfonic acid, disodium salt, and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene,1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, clayton yellow.
 33. The method of claim 27,wherein the target molecule or ion is an organic solid and the chemicalreagent is selected from a group consisting of merocyanine dyes,4-[2-N-substituted-1,4-hydropyridin-4-ylidine)ethylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-di-en-1-one,red pyrazolone dyes, azomethine dyes, indoaniline dyes, diazamerocyaninedyes, indigoid dyes2,6-diphenyl-4-(2,4,6-triphenylpyridinium-1-yl)phenolate,1-ethyl-4-(methoxycarbonyl)pyridinium iodide, 5-(dimethylamino)-5′-nitro-2,2′-bisthiophene, reichart's dye,(2,4,6-triphenyl-1-pyridinio)-2,6-diphenylphenolate, and9-diethylamino-5-benzo[α]phenoxazinone.
 34. The method of claim 27,wherein the target molecule or ion is reactive nitrogen and the chemicalreagent is selected from a group consisting of6-amino-1-naphthol-3-sulphonic acid, zinc, diphenylbenzidine,phenylanthranilic acid, aniline sulfate, diphenylamine, ethylenediamine,N-1 naphthyl dihydrochloride, potassium iodide, bismuth nitrate,sulfamic acid, sodium hydrogen sulphate, sulfanilamide, andhexachloroplatinic(IV) acid hydrate.
 35. The method of claim 27, whereinthe target molecule or ion is a reactive halogen or free radical and thechemical reagent is selected from a group consisting of ammoniumthiocyanate, 2,2′-bipyridine (Ru complex), nitrophenanthroline (Fecomplex), manganous sulphate, phenylanthranilic acid,1,10-Phenanthroline iron(II) sulfate complex, indigo carmine, coppersulphate, N-ethoxychrysoidine, analine, 2,2′-Bipyridine (Fe complex),methylene blue, 5,6-dimethylphenanthroline (Fe complex), o-dianisidine,ferrous sulphate, p-amino-N,N-diethylaniline sulfate, sodiumdiphenylamine sulfonate, diphenylbenzidine, diphenylamine, and viologen.